Eliot Hall Restoration
Our most urgent need is clear: Exterior Restoration of Eliot Hall for our 150th Anniversary For our 150th anniversary (2027) we need to restore our exterior façade, [carpentry, building envelope repairs, and painting] to ensure the historic character of Eliot Hall is preserved. This work will improve energy efficiency, safety and security; present the building as a welcoming neighborhood landmark; and ensure future generations enjoy the benefit of this important community resource. The Board of Directors voted to approve this approach in April 2024.
Exterior Restoration Project Overview
ESTIMATED COST: $295,875.00
The three-phase Eliot Hall Exterior Restoration project estimates include the minimal critical work to be done. We have met with preservation carpenters, a historic window restoration specialist and our exterior painter to estimate costs.
Phase I will address most critical issues [Eliot Street door repair, sample restoration of 2 quoins and 2 or 3 windows/sills. Phase I estimate: $15,530.00.
Phase II Eliot Street (South) Façade: Our public face and neighborhood presence; it is in very poor condition. Phase II estimate: $95,680.00.
Phase III restoration of West and East Façades. West abutter less than 10 feet from exterior wall; East side faces accessible entrance and driveway. Phase III estimate: $184,665.00.
The project will be done in 2 or 3 phases dependent on fundraising. Anticipated completion: Phase I Summer 2024. Phases II & III Summer/Fall 2025/6. This work can be done sequentially or concurrently as budget and schedule allow.
Project Funding
We need your help to complete this work in time for the Club’s 150th anniversary (01/04/2027)! We are urgently seeking FLC Membership and Footlight Friend support to support Phase I. We must raise funds by July 2024 and complete this work by Fall 2024 to stay on track. Phase I will address the most dire exterior repairs and present a public example of the work we will do in Phases II and III; this will help us with additional fundraising efforts. To date we have ~$7500.00 pledged. Phase II and III funds must be on hand by Spring 2025. We are actively developing relationships with, and applying to, potential grant funders and project sponsors.
Click here to see more construction images on our Facebook page!
How You Can Help:
Consider the following as you make your donation:
Become a Footlight Sustainer: Your donation is automatically billed each month until we are instructed to stop. Sustainers can join for a minimum donation of $10 a month ($120 a year). Please email development@footlight.org to set up a monthly donation.
Donate a gift of stock: Please email treasurer@footlight.org.
To donate by mail: Please mail your gift to: The Footlight Club, Attn: Restoration Fund, 7A Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Past & Future Restoration Projects:
The Footlight Club has completed a series of important restorations and upgrades to keep Eliot Hall safe, functional, and welcoming. The long-range plan for ensuring the safety of the building, improving energy and mechanical systems, and making the building accessible will ensure The Footlight Club’s impact on the Jamaica Plain community for years to come. It is estimated that the cost of these projects will surpass 3.5 million dollars once completed. The following is a list of current and recent restoration projects that we've been working on. Donations are still needed for any project that is not completed.
Building Accessibility
Completed April 2022
In December 2021, we finally opened our doors as a fully accessible building, with a final cost of $1,049,828.65. The work provides access to four levels of Eliot Hall – from the basement to the first and second floors and to the stage level – ensuring that both audience members and potential cast and crew can access all parts of the building. Alongside the building runs an accessible ramp that leads to a new entrance, the elevator, and a staircase to all four levels of the club. An additional accessible restroom was added on the first floor, as well as increased storage space in the basement and on the second floor.
In 2019 we received a $190,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund to make Eliot Hall accessible to all our patrons. Since that time, we have received additional funding from the Community Preservation Fund in the amount of $200,000, as well as $50,000 from the George B. Henderson Foundation. These generous grants, along with the contributions of our wonderful donors, made it possible to break ground in November 2020 on the most ambitious restoration plan The Footlight Club has ever undertaken.
Life Safety Systems Upgrades
Completed Fall, 2016
We completed our replacement of the sprinkler and emergency alarm systems in Eliot Hall in late 2016 at a cost of $165,000, with half of that paid by a Cultural Facilities Fund grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Replacement of Theatre Seats
Completed Fall, 2017
We were able to install new theatre seats that met an urgent Fire Department mandate in September of 2017 at a cost of $80,000. Audiences can now enjoy comfortable, safe seating while they enjoy our FLC productions.
If you prefer to make a gift with a check, please make it out to The Footlight Club noting that you would like to support the Restoration Fund. Checks may be mailed to:
The Footlight Club
c/o Treasurer
7a Eliot Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130